intern testimonial – UF Innovate https://innovate.research.ufl.edu Building business on innovation Tue, 12 Aug 2025 04:39:13 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://innovate.research.ufl.edu/wp-content/uploads/favicon-blue_1.png intern testimonial – UF Innovate https://innovate.research.ufl.edu 32 32 Computer Science Student Finds Inspiration at the Forefront of Innovation https://innovate.research.ufl.edu/intern-testimonial-uf-innovate-naranjan-avulapati/ Fri, 08 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000 https://scaddev1.com/intern-testimonial-uf-innovate-naranjan-avulapati/ Throughout my internship, I found immense joy in my work, particularly in executing prior-art searches on technologies developed by researchers at the University of Florida. Being a computer science geek, digging into these technologies was a mix of “Aha!” moments and a bit of head-scratching. From biomedical breakthroughs to aerospace wonders and material science marvels, this hands-on exploration broadened my horizons in ways I couldn’t have imagined.

My curiosity for developments across various fields found a perfect home at UF Innovate. Contributing to the mission of technology licensing has been a privilege, exposing me to the forefront of research and innovation. Analyzing patents firsthand provided me with insights into cutting-edge developments, enhancing my understanding of the intricate world of intellectual property.

In addition to my primary role, I had the pleasure of working on marketing projects, an experience that proved to be a delightful blend of creativity and strategy. Explaining complex technologies in plain English not only made me a better communicator but also upgraded my writing game.

However, what truly made this journey exceptional is the incredible team that surrounds me. Andrea and Sara are not just colleagues; they’re like friendly guides. Got a question? They’re there to help. And if you’re lucky, you might snag a bite of Sara’s amazing brownies – a total mood booster!

The flexibility of this internship also has been a game-changer for me. I could juggle my hours around exams or plans, making life a whole lot easier.

As I transition from this role, I carry with me not only enhanced skills but also a sense of pride in being part of the UF Innovate family. And finally, GO GATORS!

]]> A Chemical Engineer Witnessing UF’s Technology Commercialization Firsthand https://innovate.research.ufl.edu/a-chemical-engineer-witnessing-ufs-technology-commercialization-firsthand/ Wed, 29 Sep 2021 00:00:00 +0000 https://scaddev1.com/a-chemical-engineer-witnessing-ufs-technology-commercialization-firsthand/ I am currently serving as a patent research and marketing intern at UF Innovate | Tech Licensing for the Fall 2021 and Spring 2022 semesters. In my role, I am working with some wonderful and knowledgeable people and am learning a lot about the process of patenting and commercializing new technologies. Each case is different and pushes my understanding of technology in new and unexpected directions. One day, I could be working on a non-confidential summary for a tough magnesium alloy, the next on a prior art search for oleogels used to deliver drugs to the retina.

As a graduate student in UF’s chemical engineering department, I am working with a professor to secure funding to research a new method of separating dissimilar gases, without chemical absorbents or phase changes. Our goal is to patent this technology if it works, so I took this internship to witness the tech commercialization process from the inside and contribute to the commercialization of other technologies.

Sara Dagen and Veronica Talavera manage the internship program. They enthusiastically welcomed me and answered every question I had. I have a demanding study schedule as a graduate student and contributor to UF’s Rocketry Club, so their flexibility makes it possible to make the most of my time at UF.

This internship exposes me to many different facets of technology, which will only increase my fluency in any situation I might encounter in my career as an engineer and technologist.

Learning About Entrepreneurship and Innovation Has Taught Her To Be a Better Student and Intern
Writing About Tech Has Made Her UF Education Even Better
Tech Licensing Intern Shares What He’s Learned While Working With Us
]]> Learning About Entrepreneurship and Innovation Has Taught Her To Be a Better Student and Intern https://innovate.research.ufl.edu/learning-about-entrepreneurship-and-innovation-has-taught-her-to-be-a-better-student-and-intern/ Wed, 22 Sep 2021 00:00:00 +0000 https://scaddev1.com/learning-about-entrepreneurship-and-innovation-has-taught-her-to-be-a-better-student-and-intern/ Working with UF Innovate for over a year now has taught me so much about entrepreneurship, hard work, networking, and social media management. When I started working as a social media intern in January 2020, I had never taken the skills I learned in the classroom and applied them to real life. At the University of Florida, I learned about social media planning and video production, but this experience has allowed me to take my knowledge and put it to the test!

Every morning when I wake up and start working, I learn something new. Managing the social media accounts for UF Innovate | The Hub and UF Innovate | Sid Martin Biotech has allowed me to learn about new technology, business operations, and the exciting advancements and growth in biotechnology every day. I have learned that Gainesville and Alachua are a hub for creativity and collaboration, and the entrepreneurial community is welcoming and supportive.

Business Incubation at the Heart of Greater Gainesville

Not to mention, the companies that reside at The Hub and Sid Martin Biotech are changing the world for the better, right here in Gainesville. I am amazed every single day at the incredible work that each company coming from UF Innovate’s incubation program is doing. From developing vaccines to combat the Covid-19 pandemic to sending a high-performance camera into space, our companies at UF Innovate are changing the world.

There is so much value in the network at UF Innovate and the collaborative environment. I am encouraged every day to try new things, think outside of the box, and continue learning. I am invited to attend webinars and events that connect me directly with experts in the field of entrepreneurship, and I always learn from the wisdom of others. The people I have met at UF Innovate have opened doors to many opportunities and experiences that I believe are invaluable.

Overall, this internship has given me practical communications experience, the flexibility to be a successful student and intern, and a better understanding of biotechnology and entrepreneurship. The intern supervisors, Sara Dagen and Veronica Talavera, have always supported me, taught me, and encouraged me throughout my experience. I am so thankful for Sara, Veronica, and the entire UF Innovate staff for the opportunity to grow and learn every day at our #HubSweetHome.

Writing About Tech Has Made Her UF Education Even Better
Tech Licensing Intern Shares What He’s Learned While Working With Us
Ultimate Goal of This Internship? Help Startup Save Lives
]]> Writing About Tech Has Made Her UF Education Even Better https://innovate.research.ufl.edu/writing-about-tech-has-made-her-uf-education-even-better/ Thu, 12 Aug 2021 00:00:00 +0000 https://scaddev1.com/writing-about-tech-has-made-her-uf-education-even-better/ Working as a marketing intern for UF Innovate is one of the best decisions I have ever made. As a pre-med, a lot of what I do in my studies is focused on science and medicine. This work as a marketing intern is not something I ever pictured myself doing, but I love it. I love learning how important wording is or finding the perfect picture to describe the technology.

(A “technology” or a “tech” is what I would have called an “invention” or a “discovery” before I started working here. Who knew a probiotic to treat type 1 diabetes was a “technology”? But it is! And I’ve learned so much more.)

Exposure to tech outside her field

What I really love about this internship is that it exposes me to so many new things. The techs I help market all come from a variety of different fields. I get to learn about them while researching background information. I get exposed to topics I would never have learned in my pursuit for my undergraduate degree otherwise.

For example, one week I worked on a technology that had to do with computer circuits. The next I wrote about upgraded nipple shields for breastfeeding. Not only do I get to read about fields such as computer science, which I do not know much about, but I also create marketing documents for a lot of technologies related to the medical field. These technologies are always the easiest for me to understand. I love reading about advancements in the medical field.  

The internship experience overall

Additionally, the flexibility and understanding of my supervisors make me love this internship even more. Sara and Veronica are always there to help me if I have a question and are super understanding when my hours change, even when they vary from week to week.

These two are a big reason why I plan on sticking with this internship for as long as they’ll have me. They create an incredible working environment despite the challenges of working remotely. Also, my roommate works for UF Innovate in a different department. So while we work together in the living room on our computers, I can imagine we’re working together in the office in our respective cubicles.  

All my experiences in the internship will help me in the future. Even if I am not an expert in any of the topics involved in understanding a technology, I know a little bit more about computers, circuits, engineering, etc. than I would have without it. I am becoming versed in topics that could come up in conversations. Also, I am learning valuable marketing skills I could use to market myself or future endeavors.  

Tech Licensing Intern Shares What He’s Learned While Working With Us
Ultimate Goal of This Internship? Help Startup Save Lives
]]> Tech Licensing Intern Shares What He’s Learned While Working With Us https://innovate.research.ufl.edu/tech-licensing-intern-shares-what-hes-learned-while-working-with-us/ Wed, 11 Aug 2021 00:00:00 +0000 https://scaddev1.com/tech-licensing-intern-shares-what-hes-learned-while-working-with-us/ Over the past two semesters, I served as an intern at UF Innovate | Tech Licensing. In my role, I have been able to work with great people and learn an enormous amount about the process of patenting and marketing new technologies.

Communications Manager Sara Dagen and Public Relations Specialist Veronica Talavera enthusiastically welcomed me. They manage the internship program. I had little prior experience, but Sara and Veronica trained me. They facilitated my working directly with the licensing officers to conduct prior art searches and draft marketing summaries.

During the internship, I have become more comfortable researching patents and scientific journals. I learned to use tools such as Google Patents, Scholar, the USPTO, and others. Each project describes a unique technology that proposes an innovative solution in an area of science.

Researching technologies for prior art searches that solve problems ranging from sustainable architecture to biomedical engineering is engaging and challenging. I learn about new technology fields each day.

As an undergrad finance major, I did not expect to have the opportunity to write about IR-enabled UAVs or an innovative waste treatment system. Although I have been working remotely, Ms. Dagen, Ms. Talavera, and the licensing officers have generously offered their insight and expertise on each project. They’ve helped me overcome any obstacles.

This internship has provided me with a new perspective of the entrepreneurial-technology space. It has allowed me to work on different teams with a variety of tasks relating to business, science, and law.

In the spring, I attended a graduate lecture with one of the licensing officers. We addressed biomedical engineering students and delivered a PowerPoint presentation about how to conduct prior art searches, and how they can be useful for inventors before filing a patent application.

I am thankful to be working with the other interns at UF Innovate | Tech Licensing and for the journey my internship has allowed me.

]]> Ultimate Goal of This Internship? Help Startup Save Lives https://innovate.research.ufl.edu/ultimate-goal-of-this-internship-help-startup-save-lives/ Fri, 06 Aug 2021 00:00:00 +0000 https://scaddev1.com/ultimate-goal-of-this-internship-help-startup-save-lives/ Over the past year, the University of Florida has taken my education and expertise in business in a direction I never thought possible. Since last August I have been employed by UF Innovate | Ventures, helping stand up a startup now named AdjuVolt.
 
When onboarded as a Ventures intern, I was told that I would develop deep expertise in oncology without ever receiving a degree, and that could not have been more accurate. I was tasked with conducting extensive research on the oncology science aspect while applying my expertise on the business side.

The result was a pitch deck and financial models that incorporated the science and the business to be used in the search for venture capital of this prominent startup. Through years of research by extremely bright minds, AdjuVolt is on the path to bringing innovative cancer treatments to the world of oncology.

I will be forever grateful to the professionals that afforded me this opportunity. I learned about the importance of helping these medical professionals bring innovative cancer treatments to the market by building financial presentations that lead to the venture funding needed, in hopes to ultimately save lives.

I will use this experience to further my professional career over the years.

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